all-in-one
UK[ˌɔːl ɪn ˈwʌn]US[ˌɔːl ɪn ˈwʌn]
adj
combining two or more items or functions into a single unit
n
a device or product that combines two or more items or functions
Etymology
the term 'all-in-one' is a modern english compound adjective and noun, emerging in the 20th century alongside technological and commercial products designed for multifunctionality. it is constructed from three foundational, high-frequency words of germanic origin: 'all' (meaning the whole quantity), 'in' (indicating inclusion or containment), and 'one' (signifying a single entity). the phrase's literal logic—"all contained in one"—perfectly captures its modern abstract meaning of consolidation and integration. this transparent compounding reflects a characteristically english method of word formation, where pre-existing words are combined to efficiently label new, complex concepts, especially in the realms of technology, appliances, and software.
Analysis
this is a hyphenated compound phrase formed from common english words. 'all' (old english eall), 'in' (old english in), and 'one' (old english ān) are simplex words that have fused into a fixed lexical unit. it functions as a single concept, making segmentation into distinct morphemes with separate senses counterproductive to understanding its idiomatic meaning.
Examples
this printer is an all-in-one device that can scan, copy, and fax.
she bought an all-in-one makeup kit for her travels.
the software provides an all-in-one solution for project management.